Malaysia proposes Asean centre for science diplomacy
The proposal was initiated by UCSI University and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and fully supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI).
Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS) at UCSI University Founding Director and MIGHT Co-Chairman (Government), Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, said the hub would serve to mobilise all efforts in ASEAN to champion science diplomacy issues, with Malaysia leading the establishment of the hub.
"It will be a very important and critical hub to address issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and more… and all these problems are rooted in science.
"That's why we need a centre that can manage these matters not only at the national level, but also regionally," he said.
He was speaking to Bernama and RTM after attending the 'International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in ASEAN' here today.
According to Zakri, who is also the recipient of the 13th National Academic Figure Award, a proposal paper has been prepared and initial discussions with the ASEAN Secretariat have begun, including several town hall sessions with ASEAN member states.
He said one such session was held in Jakarta two months ago, where the proposal received strong support.
"…but to realise it, more time is needed, including one-to-one negotiations between governments. What's important is that we want Malaysia, through Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to give a signal of support for this initiative, which can then be endorsed at all ASEAN levels.
"Western countries already have such hubs. This would be the first initiative of its kind in the developing world, in a Global South country. So basically, among ASEAN countries, this hub does not exist yet, which is why we want to encourage Malaysia to lead in pushing for its establishment," he said.
Earlier, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang, in his officiating speech, said Malaysia is seriously exploring the establishment of the centre, which will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, capacity building and policy coordination.
The two-day conference, which began today, gathers policymakers and academics from ASEAN and beyond to discuss the challenges of science diplomacy as a mechanism to foster regional cooperation among ASEAN member countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Sun
Iran rejects Trump-backed corridor linking Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan
TEHRAN: Iran will not permit the establishment of a US-backed corridor connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave, declared Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The proposed route, part of a peace deal signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran. Velayati warned the corridor would threaten security in the South Caucasus, calling it 'an impossible notion and will not happen.' He further stated the area would become 'a graveyard for Trump's mercenaries,' signalling Iran's strong opposition. The corridor, also known as the Zangezur route, risks isolating Iran from Armenia and the wider Caucasus region. Iran has conducted military drills near the border to demonstrate its readiness to protect its interests. While Tehran welcomed the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, it expressed concerns over foreign interference near its borders. The foreign ministry cautioned that external involvement could destabilise regional security. Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict, particularly over the disputed Karabakh region. Azerbaijan's 2023 offensive reclaimed Karabakh, displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. A White House official framed the deal as a strategic win for Armenia, aligning it with the US. The official, speaking anonymously, claimed China, Russia, and Iran were the 'losers' in the agreement. Iran's stance underscores its determination to counter perceived Western influence in the region. The dispute highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus. - AFP
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Pivoting to Russia?
EARLIER this week, I attended the ceremonial send-off for King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's State Visit to Russia at the Subang Air Base. This visit, the first by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic relations began in 1967, seeks to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties. In the three months before His Majesty's historic visit, a series of high-level interactions with Moscow signalled a significant uptick in bilateral ties. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited in May, followed by a Parliamentary delegation I led. In June, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof continued the momentum with his official visit. Additionally, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani was appointed coordinating minister for Russia, tasked with addressing trade challenges exacerbated by Western sanctions. Taken together, these developments suggest more than routine diplomacy. We are clearly elevating our game, and the trajectory appears to point north, towards Moscow. Is Malaysia pivoting to Russia? As this question becomes prominent, it is worth examining what recent global trends reveal about Malaysia's shifting geopolitical posture. For example, in Europe, superpower rivalries have driven nations to double military spending to address the heightened risks of war. Similar tensions in South-East Asia could compel Asean countries, including Malaysia, to strengthen military capabilities to navigate this uncertainty. Amid a challenging international order and shifting trade dynamics, the heightened engagements with Moscow reflect Anwar's strategic ambition to recalibrate Malaysia within the BRICS framework and diversify our global alliances. Through Russia and BRICS, we seek to pursue autonomy and forge partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. The rationale behind it is simple. Malaysia cannot rely on any single country, especially one whose policies may shift unpredictably, as we pursue long-term economic stability and resilience. When I was a Member of the Dewan Rakyat, I visited Moscow several times and have come to appreciate Russia's distinct worldview and the strategic ways it seeks to shape the global order. My trip in May was my first as the deputy president of the Senate at the Dewan Negara, and it offered a valuable opportunity to explore deeper institutional ties with Russia's parliamentary leaders. With Malaysia chairing the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly this year and Russia present as an observer, the timing was significant. In Malaysia, the mention of Russia often evokes thoughts of global controversies, particularly its actions in Ukraine. This has cast Russian President Vladimir Putin as a distant, hardline figure viewed through the lens of geopolitical tensions and critical media scrutiny. However, something unexpected challenged this perception. While in Moscow, I was invited to address the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club, a leading forum for global policy discussions, and engage with Russia's policy elites. My session was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, a prominent foreign policy expert close to President Putin. During the session, Lukyanov referenced a viral moment from the May Kremlin press conference, Putin's amusement with Anwar's 'second wife' reply to a question on who occupies one of three ceremonial thrones once used by Russia's imperial family. That unique moment delighted Malaysians and Russians alike on social media. In response, I smiled and remarked: 'Thanks to that event, President Putin is now a very famous man in Malaysia!' This lighthearted exchange broke the ice, revealing a warmth rarely seen in Putin and fostering a fresh bond between our leaders. Beyond the laughter, it opened doors for stronger Malaysia-Russia ties and advanced our BRICS aspiration, setting the stage for my subsequent Moscow meetings. Trade and business were central to my dialogue with Russia's Economic Development Ministry. Aeroflot's plan to reinstate direct flights to Malaysia will enhance connectivity, strengthen economic ties, and boost our appeal as a premier destination for Russian tourists, ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Collaboration in natural disaster management, where Russia possesses substantial expertise, also emerged as a key partnership area. My meeting with Alexander Kurenkov – their Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Minister – underscored our commitment to disaster management cooperation as a model of effective bilateral engagement. This initiative has progressed rapidly, thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's leadership of our Central Disaster Management Committee and proactive efforts during Kurenkov's June visit to Malaysia. Discussions with Russia's Energy Ministry explored collaboration as Malaysia refines its National Energy Transition Roadmap. Moscow's expertise in nuclear technology, through its state-owned corporation Rosatom, offers solutions for sustainable energy by advancing the peaceful use of nuclear power for electricity generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This collaboration would modernise Malaysia's power grid while supporting Asean-wide initiatives, like the Asean Power Grid, for sustainable regional energy collaboration. Malaysia's defence relationship with Russia, established by the landmark MiG-29 purchase in 1994, remains a cornerstone of our relationship. Today, the focus has shifted to artificial intelligence (AI), critical to modern defence. His Majesty's visit to Moscow's Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Centre, which showcases advanced AI systems, highlights their rapid advancements in this field, offering Malaysia opportunities to enhance its defence capabilities. Russia's cutting-edge innovation presents Malaysia with a timely opportunity to explore drone technology and AI-driven security solutions. Malaysia could cautiously pursue calculated collaboration in autonomous warfare drone technology by leveraging Russia's expertise in autonomous systems. Through joint research and technology exchange, such efforts would strengthen national security and underscore our commitment to innovation. However, given concerns over autonomous weapons and geopolitical sensitivities, such engagements must align with Malaysia's strategic interests and international norms. While my meetings were marked by optimism, a key challenge persists in navigating the network of international sanctions, which hinders these opportunities. Amid increased Western scrutiny and the threat of secondary sanctions, Malaysian industries are cautious and seek to minimise exposure at the expense of trade growth. However, practical solutions exist, such as alternative payment mechanisms for lawful economic engagement. My talks with senior members from the Kremlin administration affirmed that our concerns are resolvable. Business magnates often ask, 'What's the deal?' With Russia, the answer is clear. As long as cooperation remains legitimate, respects international regulations, and aligns with Malaysia's foreign policy, we can make a deal. At the Valdai Discussion Club, I was asked a pointed question on the US-China power dynamics and Malaysia's stance if faced with choosing sides. My response was direct: 'Choose your neighbour.' The room chuckled, knowing I implied Russia, whose eastern region places it firmly within Asia. Yet Russia is more than a geographical neighbour. It is a partner in shared priorities such as economic growth and stability. In a period of intensifying great power rivalry, our BRICS alignment reflects a pragmatic choice for regional proximity. In choosing and trusting our 'neighbour', we are not turning our backs on our friends. Like a good neighbour who respects your right to design your own home, our friends should understand Malaysia's choice for balance, economic resilience and independent future. Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is the Dewan Negara deputy president and former Pulai member of Parliament. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Australia, Canada, UK urge Belarus to end 'campaign of repression'
FILE PHOTO: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attends an expanded format meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk, Belarus June 27, 2025. Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom condemned what they called ongoing repression and human rights violations in Belarus and accused Belarusian authorities of waging a campaign to shut down civil society, independent media and any form of political opposition. KEY QUOTES "We — Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom — stand united in condemning the ongoing repression and human rights violations," the three countries said in a joint statement on Saturday. "Thousands have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture, or forced into exile. These actions represent a flagrant breach of Belarus' international law obligations and are a serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms," they added, urging Belarusian authorities "to end their campaign of repression." WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has led Belarus through more than three decades of authoritarian rule and was re-elected in January for a seventh five-year term. Lukashenko crushed huge street protests in 2020 after an election the opposition and Western governments accused him of stealing, and all his leading opponents were jailed or forced to flee the country. CONTEXT Several hundred people convicted of extremism and other politically related offences have been released since mid-2024 in what analysts see as a bid by Lukashenko to ease his isolation from the West. However, human rights groups say nearly 1,200 are still behind bars. Lukashenko denies there are any political prisoners in the country. Australia, Canada and the UK said they welcomed the recent releases of several political prisoners in Belarus but added that they remain concerned by what they termed as continued arrests and persecution of individuals for exercising their human rights. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Mark Porter)
